A lead gift for construction of a sports complex at George Fox may lead to reinstatement of the school’s football program and sponsorship of women’s lacrosse.

A combined $1.2 million gift from Brad and Katharine Stoffer, the parents of a George Fox student, and their Boedecker Foundation will allow the university to begin the first phase of construction on its Austin Sports Complex.

The gift is the first major donation for the $6.5 million project. The multi-use sports complex would be shared by George Fox, a parks and recreation district, a high school, club teams and the community. It will be built on land pledged by philanthropists Ken and Joan Austin, owners and founders of a local dental manufacturing company and long-time supporters of the university.

The Stoffers’ gift will fund much of the construction of Stoffer Family Stadium, which will include a multi-use synthetic-turf field usable for soccer, football and lacrosse.

“This gift will allow us to create more venues for leadership training and character development,” said George Fox President Robin Baker. “The Stoffers have joined the Austins in investing not only in the university but in the lives of student-athletes and youth from around the region.”

One possible outcome is that George Fox, which sponsored football from 1894 until dropping the sport primarily for financial reasons in 1969, might reinstate the sport. The university’s board of trustees has requested that the administration study the feasibility of doing so.

“We’re excited that this may make it possible for George Fox to re-establish football, but we’re just as pleased to be able to help the university provide first-class facilities to its students and the community,” Brad Stoffer said. “Our son has had a great experience at George Fox, and we’re glad to be part of this community.”

The university, which currently sponsors 15 varsity sports, is considering adding swimming and women’s lacrosse, in addition to football. George Fox is a member of the Northwest Conference.